—-Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 1: Montenegro Williams the first.Not only is curdled milk revolting, the latest issue of Cosmopolitan—or whatever magazine Ariana had curiously picked up from her neighbor’s recycling bin last week—called it a bad omen. And then further added that in some dreams is interpreted as a sign of dirty money.While that does give her a sense of apprehension to look forward to for the rest of her day, she assures herself that she’s unfortunately not living a dream, but reality. Plus, the only reason why his milk expired was because she hadn’t found the time to clean out her fridge nor the money for groceries yet.So here Ariana is, finally throwing the milk out and mixes a concoction of leftover peanut butter crackers and cookie crumbs from the pits of her dwindling cookie jar as breakfast. She downs half a bowl and washes it away with a cup of black coffee before grabbing her keys and starting her walk to the bus station for her seven a.m shif
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 2: Here to propose marriage.“My coworker said Mr. Montenegro came looking for me,” Ariana explains impatiently. “Well, I’m looking at you and you’re definitely not him.”A scowl replaces his smug expression. “I am definitely Mr. Montenegro—Williams Montenegro the first, to be exact.”Judging from his bomber jacket that happens to be Saint Laurent, Balmain skinnies, and black suede Timberlands, he’s certainly loaded and dresses accordingly to that—nothing which Ariana didn’t expect. On the other hand, there isn't a single trace of Walter’s qualities, like his cheeriness and bright black eyes he could associate him with. Except for that sculpted chin rudely pointing her way.I have a feeling this is the part where I stop scribbling his name in my textbooks. Nothing like your dream man turning out to be your worst nightmare.Ariana snaps out of her reverie and focuses on those hazel eyes that still gleam in obvious disgust. She rolls her own
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 3: I can’t marry you. Even for A Million Dollars.“I thought I heard you say you’re here to propose marriage to me. Who paid you to do this? Walter? Where is that prick?”.“My father is in Yokohama as we speak,” Williams answers, void of any humor. “He left two days ago and warned me that if you and I aren’t engaged by next week, it’s done for me. He’ll make my fucking cousin James Alvarez the CEO by the end of this year.”The little grin on Ariana’s mouth vanishes as she relays what Williams has just told her. It takes a moment before realisation dawns on her.Her brows shoot up. “Wait, why the hell would Walter do that?”Williams mirrors her look with one brow. “You’re acting like he’s your best friend and yet still wonder why. It’s obviously because he’s so smitten with gold-diggers like you. He throws me at you because you probably prefer younger dick.”“If by younger dick you mean yourself, then no fucking thank you,” Ariana retorts, seet
Married for A Million Dollars .Chapter 4: far from Ariana’s ideal type. .“No. I can’t.” She shakes her head. “I can’t marry you. Even for A Million Dollars.” And although she would do anything to oblige her good friend’s wishes, a million dollars is a luxury that a poor person like her couldn't even afford to even think about.“No?” Williams repeats faintly. He narrows his eyes. “I wouldn’t refuse it just like that, Gillies. A million dollars is a shit ton of money that I know you’re in desperate need of.”Now it’s Ariana’s turn to clench and unclench both fists. “You know nothing about me, Montenegro.”The bastard shrugs nonchalantly. “Oh, but I do know enough. For example, I know that your dad died and left you under the water. You’re drowning in debt that you couldn’t even pay back with all your life. Your house is this close to being auctioned off. It’s six months behind mortgage and even though you saved it from foreclosure once last year, you won’t be able to save it again.
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 5: a temporary ring and surname..The first thing Ariana wakes up to the next morning is a notification popping up on her browser saying she’s lost her internet connection. After reloading the page a few times and troubleshooting the issue, Ariana realizes it’s not something she can easily fix.“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” She groans, burying her face into her hands.Since it’s her day off today, she treated herself to some extra sleep before getting up at twelve and snacking on a biscotti she picked up from the display case at work last night. She planned to finally sit down on her laptop and browse through some job listings within the area for the extra money. Her shifts at the diner wasn’t enough for her to live by, even if pay day is around the corner.Ariana checks her connections and reboots the power modum once more before grabbing her cell phone to contact her internet service provider. She didn’t have cable nor a proper phone plan,
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 6: close call and a save .“Come on, Ari,” Harold croaks, his lips upturned into a smirk. For every step Ariana takes backwards, the man only takes two steps forward in response. “What’s a few minutes going to do you? You’ll make some time for your generous customer, won’t you?”Ariana’s hands delve into her back pocket. “Look, if you want your money back, then you’ll get your money back. Just stay away from me.”It looks like what little control she believed she had over the situation quickly dissipates into the air as the lascivious glint in Harold’s eyes darken.He’s approached so close that Ariana stumbles into the cold surface of the dumpster. That’s when she yanks the money out of her pocket and tosses it at the man.“Okay, here. Take it.” The bills flutter to the ground. Harold makes no move to retrieve them.Whatever color’s remaining from Ariana’s face has drained.Harold chuckles. “If it’s money you want, Ari, then that’ll be arrange
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 7: paid to marry the heir .Williams raises a brow. “But you will to people like Harold?”“I’m not a whore!” Ariana yells, and before they both know it, there’s a smack against skin and the result is Williams palming his flushed cheek in mute anger.Jaw dropped at her feat, Ariana quickly lowers her stinging hand and forces herself to meet Williams’s furious gaze.They stay like that for a whole minute, staring at each other in seething silence. The apology on Ariana’s lips washes away almost immediately.Finally, Williams dangerously enunciates, “If it’s marital sex that’s bothering you, then I suggest you forget about it. I’m not interested in sleeping with you whatsoever. On the other hand, since I’m paying you to play my loving wife, I expect complete loyalty on your part.”“And I bet you expect the exact opposite from yourself,” Ariana rolls her eyes.“Of course,” he says without missing a beat. “But I’ll obviously be lowkey. I don’t wan
Married for A Million Dollars:.Chapter 8: call me by my first name . “This isn’t signed,” Williams remarks as he goes over the contract. “Not yet. Had some alterations I wanted to get back to you with.” Ariana sets down her fork. “I want the payment divided in five installments. First two hundred thousand on our wedding night. Then the second part four months later and the third part two months after, and the remaining at the end of the year. The personal expense thing is fine, but I want a separate bedroom for myself, a charity budget, and a scholarship to any academy of my choice. If I happen to die before the contract expires, the rest of my payment should be donated to the charity listed on my will. If you die, I have the right to be paid full by your estate without adhering to the contract.” She doesn’t notice Williams leaning over her as she leafs through each section. When Ariana glances up, startled at his presence, Williams sits back and shrugs. “Sounds good to me. But
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 84: all good things come to an end . In the morning, Ariana found herself seated in the back of her chauffeur-driven car, heading toward her father-in-law's residence. The weight of guilt hung heavily on her, and she had made up her mind to come clean, to reveal the truth about her and Williams's marriage, and their evolving love, despite the contract that had initially bound them.Upon her arrival, the bodyguards directed her to the expansive garden within the Montenegro residence. As she stepped into the lush, well-manicured garden, her heart raced with anticipation. The beauty of the surroundings was starkly contrasted by the heavy burden of truth she was about to reveal.In the garden, Ariana's eyes fell upon two figures who had been waiting for her—Kingston and Walter. The bodyguards made her presence known, and both men turned to look at her. Ariana could feel the intensity of Kingston's gaze, a smirk playing on his lips. It was a kn
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 83: truth is surfacing. In the dining room of the Montenegro mansion, a grand family dinner was in progress. The room was adorned with exquisite chandeliers, fine china, and polished woodwork, exuding an air of sophistication and prestige.Seated around the long, ornate table were the members of the Montenegro family. Walter, the patriarch and head of the family, occupied the prominent position at the head of the table. Antonio, Quincy, and Warren, the siblings, were seated beside him, and Ariana at the ending presumably on Williams’s designated chair. As the meal progressed and the family enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, Antonio decided to share some significant news with the rest of the family. With a sense of resolution, he cleared his throat, gaining the attention of his family members. The atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted, all eyes turning to him.Antonio spoke, "I wanted to let you all know that I've cut all ties with Maguire Pari
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 82: behind the scenes . The luxurious office of Sean Ericsson was bathed in soft, ambient light as he dialed Nigel's number. Nigel, one of the individuals involved in the charity organization, had caused quite a stir during a previous meeting when he attempted to disgrace Ariana, Williams's wife. Sean was determined to prevent a similar incident from happening again.Nigel answered the call, and Sean got straight to the point. "Nigel, I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming charity board meeting. Ariana is coming back, and I don't want a repeat of what happened last time. I won't tolerate any attempts to discredit her."Nigel, while trying to sound accommodating, acknowledged Sean's concern. "Of course, Sean. I understand. We'll ensure that the meeting proceeds smoothly."As the call ended, Nigel immediately turned to his cousin, Kingston, who was sitting nearby. Kingston had his own grievances with Ariana, stemming from the belief that
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 81: Ariana Montenegro . The Montenegro family house was a true testament to opulence and grandeur. Its lavish interior exuded wealth and elegance, from the magnificent chandeliers that adorned the ceilings to the intricate artwork that graced the walls. Ariana had stepped into a world where luxury was a way of life, a stark contrast to her own humble beginnings.In the heart of this extravagant setting, she found Warren, the talented musician of the family, testing his skills on the grand piano in the spacious sitting room. The rich, melodious notes filled the room, and the expression of concentration on his face showed that he took his music seriously.As Ariana announced her presence, Warren paused his performance and turned to greet her. He wore a warm, welcoming smile and, with genuine affection, embraced her in a heartfelt hug. His embrace radiated the bond that had developed between them since her marriage to Williams.Warren's affectio
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 80: show of who’s bigger? . Ariana, sitting in the upscale store for the wealthy, glanced at the message on her phone from her stylist, Hana. The message revealed that Hana had relocated with her boyfriend to another state. Ariana couldn't help but smile at the news. She knew how long Hana had been dreaming of this change. With a sense of happiness for her friend's new journey, Ariana replied with a congratulatory message, expressing her best wishes for the exciting change ahead.Turning her attention back to the present, Ariana looked at her friend Jared, who was about to embark on a long-awaited date. She held Jared's 6-year-old son, Alexander, in her arms, a role that made her chuckle at the complexity of their shopping expedition.Jared appeared visibly frustrated as he browsed through the clothing racks, continuously dropping clothes with an exasperated expression. Alexander, sensing his father's irritation, went to hug him, seeking t
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 79: back to the beginnings . Ariana entered the familiar surroundings of Roswell Diner, the clinking of dishes and the murmur of patrons filling the air. She had come to meet her former boss, Sal, a man who had played a significant role in her life. As they settled in his private office for a candid conversation, Ariana couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude.With a heartfelt smile, she began, "Sal, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. You've been there when I needed it the most, and I want to show my appreciation."Sal, a warm and fatherly figure in her life, was taken aback but replied, "Ariana, you don't owe me anything. I was happy to help."Ariana was persistent, a hint of emotion in her voice as she insisted, "No, Sal, I really want to write you a cheque. You've been there for me since my days as a waitress here, and I've come so far thanks to your support."Sal paused, his eyes filled with genuine aff
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 78: the perfect plan . Ariana embarked on a solitary journey through the city's bustling streets in the comfort of her chauffeur-driven car. The city at night was a breathtaking spectacle of wealth and power. Tall, modern skyscrapers stood like giants, their shimmering lights forming constellations in the urban sky, testaments to the opulence that defined this metropolis.As the car glided through the city's vibrant arteries, Ariana's thoughts meandered through a labyrinth of emotions. Loneliness weighed heavily on her heart, its presence magnified by the extravagant life she led. Williams Montenegro, her billionaire husband, had left the country on a business venture three days ago. His departure had left a void in her life that no amount of luxury or privilege could fill. Despite the grand parties, glittering galas, and lavish gatherings she attended, they seemed nothing more than a facade, unable to dispel the desolation that had take
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 77: fair amount . The skin on her husband’s back is smooth and taut, hinting at the exceptional physical condition of his body. And what a condition. He has somehow managed to make Ariana, a average height woman with a fair amount of muscles around, feel small. Ariana dwells on that perception. She likes it. She fucking loves it.Is she horny? Ariana resist the urge to slap herself out of this thirsting bubble she’s been sucked in. It’s William’s fault for sure. She’s here trying to keep her anger up but being married to such an attractive creature has Ariana fighting her own demons instead of her husband.Although her own body doesn’t agree, she is truly sulking over the energy that Williams lacks to ask her what's wrong. It bothers her. Call her spoiled, but Williams should be panicking if Ariana ever frowns. So, she walks in her nightshirt towards the other sitting on the kitchen island. She can see Williams cutting the dry meat and mu
Married For A Million Dollars .Chapter 75:.A gentle silence lingers in the tranquillity of the elegantly embellished lounge room. The luxurious space feels isolated and vast, with high ceilings decorated with minimalistic chandeliers summoning a weak, golden light upon the elegant interior. The vast space’s sleek, modern design meshes seamlessly with the kitchen and bar next to it, resulting in a harmonious blend of modern setting with a bolder elegance. The neutral tones of the walls serve as a canvas for the vibrant colours of the furniture. A plush, velvet modular sofa of a deep hue occupies the centre of the room. The coffee table, made from a piece of polished marble, rests gracefully on top of a patterned rug.The place is decked out with fine art pieces sorted around the room. She, who is now a dot in the room, has chosen most of them. Ariana lets out a yawn. The fabric of her husband's oversized t-shirt drapes loosely around her shoulders. She takes a look at the clock